1953 5 Window "Project Rascal"

[ebernst]

As @Nicke posted last week, we just picked up a '53 5 window that we're going to be fitting in an LS L96 and an 4L80E.



We are going to be doing modern IFS with rack & pinion, 4 corner disk brakes, and air bags.

[oldman3]

I'll hang around for the build...Jim

[67 chevelle]

Excellent engine choice , planing on any suspension mods ?

[nicke]

ebernst, give them the full details of what we'll be doing with the suspension as well.

-Nick

[ebernst]

Suspension up front will be IFS, perhaps using a kit like this one from No Limit Engineering, which includes power rack & pinion, disc brakes, and air bags. We will be doing 4 link suspension out back, also with disc brakes and air bags. I'm planning on wide white wall tires to complete the look.

Has anyone used the NLE kit before? Any recommendations?

Here's the rest of the list:

Keeping Stock 1953 Frame
Front IFS Kit (Air bags, Rack and pinion, DIsc brakes) Looking at NLE Kit... Feedback?
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Air Bags
4 Link Suspension out back
Converted to driveline with 12 bolt rear
LS Engine- L96 6.0 Iron Block- Still researching the motor mounts, oil pan and manifold/header options... suggestions welcome
4L80E Transmission
New EFI Fuel Tank (Looking for suggestions on relocated tank option) with new braided lines
Full truck Wiring Kit- 12 volt
Stock wheels with wide whitewall tires
Stock interior - all black but going to do brown leather for: wrapped wheel, door panel inserts, and seat
Dakota VHX Gauges

[sprworm12]

I just got my NLE front end welded in...I went the coil over route though....very nice stuff...and Rob is very helpful...buy it,you want regret it

[ebernst]

@sprworm12 Good call on the coil overs. I changed gears a bit and did that too. I just purchased a weld in IFS kit from Scotts Hot Rods. I decided that my anticipated driving style of the truck doesn't necessitate air bags. I think I'll just work to get a slightly lowered stance and call it good.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by ebernst

As @Nicke posted last week, we just picked up a '53 5 window that we're going to be fitting in an LS L96 and an 4L80E.



We are going to be doing modern IFS with rack & pinion, 4 corner disk brakes, and air bags.

Good choice, you will be happy with that combo.

[Advanced Design]

Ebernst, looks like a fun build.

For exhaust manifolds a couple of us using the LS went with Hooker exhaust manifolds from Holley. They fit well.
And for a fuel tank there are a couple builds going now that are using the 67/68 Camaro fuel injection tank from tanks placed behind the rear axle.
For a pan I am using F body or one of the Holley pans.
Engine mounts, I made my own then moved the engine back more and used Dirty Dingo slider mounts.

[nicke]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Ebernst, looks like a fun build.

For exhaust manifolds a couple of us using the LS went with Hooker exhaust manifolds from Holley. They fit well.
And for a fuel tank there are a couple builds going now that are using the 67/68 Camaro fuel injection tank from tanks placed behind the rear axle.
For a pan I am using F body or one of the Holley pans.
Engine mounts, I made my own then moved the engine back more and used Dirty Dingo slider mounts.

Thanks Doug, this is really helpful!

-Nick

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ebernst, I found your truck on another website with more progress. I posted there. But also posting here in case you see one or the other.

I'd love to hear a video of yours running (have you gotten it running yet?) and how you feel it performs? My TF has a very similar drivetrain as yours but with a higher rearend ratio so I'm wondering the performance difference. Really enjoying reading about your truck.
Best, Dan

[ebernst]

I've made some significant progress with my pickup. It's back on the road! Here's the build thread of what was done to it, and here's a couple of videos I took earlier this week of it's very first drive.





Here's a couple quick videos of the truck.

Exhaust Sound:

LS-Powered '53 Chevy 5 Window Pickup Exhaust -...

First Drive:

First Drive 1953 Chevy 5 Window Pickup ?Project...

Quick walk-around:

Sleeper Farm Truck: 1953 Chevy - YouTube

[nicke]

Absolutely nailed the stance, in my opinion.

-Nick

[mongocanfly]

Nice..real nice

[jocww]

Looking forward to learning more about your truck, Im planning on doing the same, but might do a full chassis instead, and a t56 so I dont have to worry about programming the trans.